LifeLong Learning-San Marcos
Don't forget to add some time for learning in the new year!
Jan-Feb 2023 Courses
Join Marianne Reese and Becky D. Reese
and their guest April Deleon Huggard
SENIORCENTRIC
Thursday, January 5, 2:00-3:00pm
KZSM – San Marcos Community Radio
Currently streaming only... KZSM.org
Guest April Deleon-Huggard, Director of the San Marcos Senior Citizens Center, will discuss the Center's work.
On Our Health
We have previously talked about Brain Chemistry and the four hormones/neurotransmitters known to promote positive feelings in humans: Serotonin, Dopamine, Endorphins and Oxytocin. In this program we will review their roles in humans as well as look into the evolution of these chemical substances and their functioning in lower animals.
During “Talking Happiness,” an upcoming Zoom Course (Jan. 19, 26 and Feb 2, 9), the concept of happiness will be more deeply and personally discussed.
Do You Know...
...why time seems to pass more quickly as we age?
...how to protect the largest organ in your body?
...which over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever to take: NSIDA or Tylenol?
...how much of your life has been spent asleep and why?
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Presented in Partnership with
San Marcos Parks and Recreation
Please call the San Marcos Activity Center at 512-393-8280 to register
Alla Prima Oil Painting
Call the San Marcos Activity Center at 512-393-8280 to register
When: Fridays (5): Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27; Feb. 3
Where: Dunbar Park, Large Room
Time: 10:00am-1:00pm
Fee: $50.00
Painting by Roxana Tuff
Course Description
The Alla Prima technique of oil painting is a direct painting approach in which the artist completes the painting in one sitting.
In this class we will focus on seeing abstract shapes, understanding values, mixing color using a modified Zorn palette, and work on applying paint in a quick, direct manner. We will work wet on wet. The course will include live demonstrations, guided exercises, digital presentations, and one-on-one instruction.
Supplies
CLICK HERE for the complete list.
About Your Presenter: Roxana Tuff
Roxy is a metalsmith and illustrator who holds a BFA in Painting and Drawing and MFA in Painting. She is an outstanding instructor having taught in the art studio at Texas State for 14 years and for LLL-smtx for 8 years.
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Introduction to Calligraphy
Call the San Marcos Activity Center at 512-393-8280 to register
When: Wednesdays (5): Feb. 8, 15, 22; Mar. 1, 8
Where: Dunbar Recreation Center (801 W. MLK)
Time: 10:00am-12:00pm
Fee: $25.00
Course Description
Starting with Chancery Cursive, you will learn the basic materials and techniques for calligraphic writing. Through clever and elegant pen strokes, this art form can stress the history and beauty of the written word through creative expression. Fancy lettering is useful in art projects, bullet journals, making place cards and labels, and creating invitations and addressing envelopes for special occasions. In this class we will make frameable art from your favorite verse or aphorism.
Learning the art of calligraphy is not expensive and is a hobby that gives you a lifetime of praise for a little initiative.
Supplies
CLICK HERE for the complete list.
About Your Presenter: Kelly King
Kelly started studying and creating art as a teenager. She taught in the public schools for 29 years; for 10 years, her focus was on teaching art. Her artistic ability and teaching experience make her the ideal presenter. If you have questions about purchasing art supplies, please contact Kelly at kingke666@gmail.com.
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Keys to Longevity
Call the San Marcos Activity Center at 512-393-8280 to register
When: Tuesdays (5): Feb. 21, 28; March 7, 14, 21
Where: San Marcos Activity Center
Time: 10:00-11:15am
Fee: $25.00
Course Description
Is it possible to make our golden years truly golden? Can we live longer without suffering the painful ravages of time? Yes, but it requires dedication and attention.
In this course we will explore both ancient and new, cutting-edge protocols for health and longevity. We will begin by moving our bodies, using simple but effective movements to activate balance, strength, and flexibility; moving with music to stimulate rhythm and inspiration. Exercises will be done both standing and sitting. As the old saying goes, “Move it or lose it”!
We will also move our minds and emotions, with an emphasis on breaking up hidden stress patterns, to experience new levels of relaxation. Next, we will explore some of the newest ground-breaking protocols in longevity. If you have been searching for a way to improve your health and wellbeing, this is a good place to start!
Supplies
Wear movable/flexible shoes and socks
Bring something for notetaking
Bring water
Oh… and bring your enthusiasm—it’s your life we’re talking about here!
About Your Presenter: Jay Jennings
After 38 years, Jay has recently retired from teaching movement in the Theatre department at Texas State. Jay has a lifetime of experience in dance, including everything from ballet to ballroom. Along the way, Jay has also had an abiding interest in healing protocols, both ancient and modern. At the age of 60 his health took a nose-dive. Since then, he has been on a quest to “save himself.” After 22 years of research and exploration, he is excited to share what he has learned with you.
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Intuitive Drawing
Call the San Marcos Activity Center at 512-393-8280 to register
When: Fridays (5): Feb 24; March 3, 10, 17, 24
Where: San Marcos Activity Center
Time: 10:00am-1:00pm
Fee: $50.00
Drawing by
Dariusz Zapala
Course Description
In this course, you will learn how to be more responsive to imagery and more intuitive in your approach to drawing.
The course will focus initially on gestures and extended gestures to describe the “thing/s” that we are trying to depict. By doing quicker drawings, we train our minds first to respond to the generalities of the view instead of the details. We learn to quickly make assessments about heights, widths, angles, proportions, lights, darks, and textures within the view. We will then begin developing longer drawings, trying to maintain a responsive, intuitive approach.
As we build our responsiveness, our work will become necessarily more expressive and confident. There will be guided exercises in class, demonstrations and digital presentations. We will be using a variety of media to build our drawings in class. Students will be asked to take what they learn from the exercises and do one or two weekly drawings at home as well.
Supplies
CLICK HERE for the complete list.
About Your Presenter: Roxana Tuff
Roxy is a metalsmith and illustrator who holds a BFA in Painting and Drawing and MFA in Painting. She is an outstanding instructor having taught in the art studio at Texas State for 14 years and for LLL-smtx for 8 years.
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Presented in Partnership with the
San Marcos Public Library
Please call the San Marcos Public Library at 512-393-8200 to register
Bridge Lessons: Using Conventions
Call the San Marcos Public Library at 512-393-8200 to register
When: Fridays (8): Jan. 6, 13, 20, 27; Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24
Where: San Marcos Public Library
Time: 1:00-3:30pm
Fee: FREE!
Course Description
This course is designed for beginners with some understanding of bridge as well as experienced players interested in updating their skills. Lessons will include responses to strong opening bids of Two No-Trump or Two Clubs, takeout doubles, and Jacoby transfers.
About Your Presenter: Mary Cisneros
Mary is a former public-school educator with a passion for playing both contract and duplicate bridge in person and online. Her lessons are well-explained and paced to meet the needs of participants. Practice hands are played throughout each lesson to provide participants a chance to get to know one another and to practice concepts learned in class.
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In the Footsteps of Vincent van Gogh
Call the San Marcos Public Library at 512-393-8200 to register
When: Wednesdays (7): Jan. 11, 18, 25; Feb 1, 8, 15, 22
Where: San Marcos Public Library
Time: 10:30-11:45am
Fee: FREE!
Course Description
Pack light. In this course on the life of Vincent van Gogh we will travel to Holland, Belgium, and France as we follow in his footsteps from the beginning of his life to his death. Along the way we will see beautiful landscapes, idyllic villages, and quiet chapels as we observe his art within the context of his lived life. Organized by location, not period or style, we are shown the development of his art as it evolved over time while simultaneously seeing where van Gogh lived, where he painted, and what he painted.
This is a beautiful series filled with beautiful images arranged in front of music of the period. After each 30-minute journey, the recognition that there is such splendor in the world makes one grateful for it.
About Your Presenter: Becky Duval Reese
Becky worked for over a decade at the Blanton Museum at UT-Austin and retired as director of the El Paso Museum of Art. Becky now serves on the Wittliff Collections Advisory Board at Texas State University. Her curatorial and publication focus is the art and artists of Texas. The Art of David Everett: Another World—edited by Becky—is one of the Austin American-Statesman’s Michael Barnes’s top ten gift books for people who love Texas culture.
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JOIN ANY SESSION!
Mystery Book Club
Call the San Marcos Public Library at 512-393-8200 to register
When: First Wednesday of Each Month
Where: San Marcos Public Library
Time: 2:00-3:30pm
Fee: FREE!
Course Description
This will be a book discussion group focusing on the members’ choices of mystery books. When the group is established, the members will vote on selected books, as well as the preferred time for meetings. Membership is open, but please register with the San Marcos Public Library.
January 4 Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke
February 1 The Whistler by John Grisham
March 1 The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley
April 5 Still Life by Louise Penny
May 3 Track of the Cat by Nevada Barr
June 7 So We Lie by Willow Rose
July 5 A Cold Day for Murder by Dana Stabenow
August 2 And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
September 6 The Dark Hours by Michael Connelly
October 4 The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey
November 1 The Beautiful Mystery by Louise Penny
December 6 The Postscript Murders by Elly Griffiths
About Your Facilitator: Patricia Pattison
Pat is a retired law professor from Texas State University. Since her retirement in 2017 she has enjoyed a variety of Lifelong Learning-San Marcos classes and taught a personal law class in 2019. Pat recently became a member of the advisory board of LLL-smtx. She has degrees in English, Communications, and Law.
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Zoom Courses
Science Fiction Favorites
Email lifelonglearningsm@gmail.com to register
When: Second Wednesday of Each Month
Where: Comfort of your own home via Zoom
Time: 2:00-3:30pm
Fee: FREE!
Course Description
This group enjoys reading and discussing science fiction books that are nominated by participants. Every member can nominate as many books as they choose, then the group votes for their favorites.
January 11 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
February 8 Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
March 8 Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
April 12 All Systems Red by Martha Wells
May 10 Neuromancer by William Gibson
June 14 The Gods Themselves by Isaac Asimov
July 12 Solaris by Stanislaw Lem
August 9 Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey
September 13 Her Smoke Rose Up Forever by James Tiptree Jr.
October 11 The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
November 8 Where Late the Sweet Birds Sang by Kate Wilhelm
December 13 Dying Inside by Robert Silverberg
About Your Facilitator: Patricia Pattison
Pat is a retired law professor from Texas State University. Since her retirement in 2017 she has enjoyed a variety of Lifelong Learning-San Marcos classes and taught a personal law class in 2019. Pat recently became a member of the advisory board of LLL-smtx. She has degrees in English, Communications, and Law.
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Talking Happiness... for 2023
Email lifelonglearningsm@gmail.com to register
When: Thursdays (4): Jan. 19, 26; Feb. 2, 9
Where: Comfort of your own home via Zoom
Time: 2:00-3:15pm
Fee: $20.00
Course Description
As a general rule…
…are you happy?
…how do you know?
What can you do to be and stay happy?
The last few years of COVID and political and social strife have challenged even the happiest among us. But what exactly is happiness? Is it possible to be always happy? What is the purpose of happiness? How does it “work”? Can we really control our own happiness?
This four-week course will use selected videos and readings to explore various aspects of happiness, including how happiness “works” in our brains, the types and components of happiness, and how we can take ownership of our happiness.
Prior to each week’s session, you will receive links to videos and readings to review prior to class… plan to spend about one hour with the materials. As you watch and read, make notes of questions, observations, “aha moments,” and whatever else strikes you. During our sessions, we will engage in open, safe, and non-judgmental conversations to hear different insights and points of view… no doubt, we’ll learn a lot from each other!
About Your Presenter: Stephanie Korcheck
With over 30 years of experience in education-related organizations, Stephanie has expertise in education policy and law, advocacy, strategic communications, and writing/editing. She has an abundance of blessings in her life yet and, as many of us, struggles at times to find happiness. Join Stephanie in exploring this very human concept and understanding your own happiness.
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Methods for Locating Immigration Records
Email lifelonglearningsm@gmail.com to register
When: Tuesdays (3): Feb. 14, 21, 28
Where: Comfort of your own home via Zoom
Time: 10:00-11:30am
Fee: $45.00
Session 1 – Where and When Did Your Ancestor Enter the U.S.?
We will review some websites, techniques, and actual U.S.-based records, where some of this information can help you narrow your search. Finding the actual ship manifest listing your ancestor will take time, but having specific year(s), an arrival port, and where they immigrated from will help you focus your methods.
Session 2 – Naturalization: It’s a Process!
This session will provide an overview of how and when a person was eligible to file for U.S. citizenship. Knowing the six ways of becoming a citizen will help you understand when your ancestor may have started their paperwork. Learning about the procedures of filing first and second papers will help you determine if the naturalization process was completed. Also, understanding “derivative citizenship” and how military service may have impacted your ancestor becoming a citizen can answer why you may find no naturalization papers.
Session 3 – Naturalization Case Examples
Our final class will describe the types of records required and used to prove to courts your ancestor’s desire to become a naturalized citizen. Regardless of your ancestor’s country of origin, the process of becoming a U.S. citizen was the same. Two examples from different ethnic cultures in Europe will be presented. Each began by locating the ship manifest and then culling though a variety of U.S. documents created while residing in the United States.
About Your Presenter: Cindy Foreman, Genealogist (genepath02@gmail.com)
For the past 20 years, Cindy has been teaching classes and doing presentations in Central Texas on genealogy. She has a degree in History Education and is past President of the Austin Genealogy Society and past Vice President of the Wimberley Valley Genealogy Society. In 2014, Cindy presented at the Federation of Genealogical Societies’ National Genealogy Conference in San Antonio. Cindy is currently involved with a genealogy special interest group called IGG (Interactive Genealogy Group) and continues to work on her own family genealogy.
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Special Venues
At Cheatham Street Warehouse
Line Dancing Lessons... at the Historic Cheatham Street Warehouse
Email lifelonglearningsm@gmail.com to register
When: Tuesdays (7): Jan. 17, 31; Feb. 7, 28; March 14, 21, 28
Where: Cheatham Street Warehouse (119 Cheatham St.)
Time: 5:00-6:00pm
Fee: $5.00 per session
Course Description
LLL-smtx and the Cheatham Street Warehouse have partnered up and invite you to come on down to Cheatham Street and give Line Dancing a try. We will gently learn the repeating sequence of steps of several dances and have a good ol’ time doing so!
History of the Cheatham Street Warehouse
From the time Kent Finlay and his business partner, Jim Cunningham, leased a creaky old warehouse along the railroad tracks in San Marcos and opened Cheatham Street Warehouse in June 1974, the honky-tonk seemed destined for greatness in Texas music history. Stevie Ray Vaughn had a weekly show “in the day” and George Strait got his start there. Marsha Ball, Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, and Terri Hendrix, to name just a few, have also played at Cheatham.
About Your Instructor: Billy Grimsley
Billy is a licensed member of BMI/ASCAP (Broadcast Music Inc./American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers), a membership association of over 400,000 composers, songwriters, music publishers, and lyricists from the United States. This license allows Billy to play musical works in venues such as Cheatham Street. He is a joyous, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic instructor... you’ll love being in his “country world.”
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At Sunset Bowling Alley
I’m not a good bowler; I celebrate when I break 100!
But I have such fun whatever my score. And I am so impressed with the warm, friendly atmosphere here at Sunset Lanes.
~Pat Pattison, San Marcos
Bowling Just for the Fun of It!
Email lifelonglearningsm@gmail.com to register
When: Thursdays (5): Jan. 19, 26; Feb. 2, 9, 16
Where: Sunset Bowling Lanes (1304 N. State Hwy 123)
Time: 11:00am-12:00pm
Fee: $25.00 (includes shoe rental and bowling ball)
Fee will be paid to Sunset Bowling Lanes at the first class
Course Description
Never bowled? Bowled earlier in your life? Bowling now, but could use some personal pointers? Whatever your experience level, this course is for you as YOU will receive individual instruction while having an enjoyable, fun time. Family owned and operated, Sunset Bowling Lanes is a family-friendly, well maintained, smoke-free venue offering hot food served from their grill.
About Your Instructor: Mary Gilbert
Mary and her husband own Sunset Bowling Lanes and have run the center with family members for over 30 years. Mary loves to help people with their bowling and has taught bowling classes for Southwest Texas/Texas State University for over 30 years.
If there is a topic you would like LifeLong Learning-San Marcos to offer
or if you know someone who would enjoy presenting/teaching with LLL-smtx,
please contact Marianne
512-216-6427